School of Nursing to Host Screening of Documentary on Health Care System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09-03-2013

Sarah Langford
Public Affairs
530-898-4260

The California State University, Chico School of Nursing will host a free screening Sept. 17 of a documentary film examining one of the most hotly debated issues of our day: the national health care system.

“Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare” explores the current state of medical care in the United States and proposes ways to reduce costs and improve quality. The screening begins at 4 p.m. in Selvester’s Café and will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion by health experts from CSU, Chico; Enloe Medical Center; and the community.

Carol Huston, director, CSU, Chico School of Nursing, said her department is hosting the free screening to help shed light on the realities of health care in America and to be a part of the national dialogue for solutions.

“There is a great deal of confusion and misinformation about the current health care system and health care reform,” Huston said. “Better understanding our health care system allows both providers and consumers to make better choices and to work toward creating a more cost-effective health care system that provides quality outcomes.”

Directed by Matthew Heineman and Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated Susan Froemke, “Escape Fire” premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and has won numerous awards, including the Human Rights Award at the Full Frame Film Festival and the Social Issue Award at the Silverdocs Film Festival.

The feature-length documentary stresses the importance of changing health care in the public and private sectors to focus on prevention rather than disease management to save dollars and lives. It also highlights the need to empower individuals and communities to promote health and wellness.

The film played in theaters across the country in the fall of 2012 and premiered on CNN on March 13.

Health care professionals who view the film can earn continuing-education credits by completing an evaluation here.